1. Do you get the most out of your ability?

Regardless of your physical talent level, there are ways to compete, to improve, and to win. Role players on teams at every competitive level, while not as physically gifted as their teammates, make indispensable contributions. A mediocre hitter in baseball or softball can help his or her team by going deep into the count, laying down bunts, executing the hit and run. A poor shooter in basketball can make up for it by playing solid defense, being a good rebounder, or making passes that lead to baskets.

2. Do you have a positive influence on your teammates?

By their presence alone, either on the field or in the locker room, some athletes have the ability to energize team that is going through the motions or to calm the same group when undisciplined behavior or play is detrimental to winning or playing well. They are encouragers, not whiners.

3. Do you have a nose for the ball?

Watch a hockey, soccer, or basketball game. Some players -- not necessarily the most talented ones -- always seem to be around the puck or the ball. If you want to know where the action is, look for them. They recover fumbles. They steal passes.

4. Do you make big plays?

Great athletes want the ball at crunch time. Michael Jordan wanted the basketball when the score was tied with ten seconds left on the clock. Derek Jeter wants to be at the plate when the score is tied in the ninth inning. Lesser players stay away from pressure situations. Great players strive in those situations.

5. Do you make teammates better when you are in the game?

Red Auerbach, in talking about K.C. Jones, said that when K.C. went into a game that the Celtics were losing, they caught up. When he was put into the game that was close, the Celtics went ahead, they entered a game in which his team was ahead, they widened the lead. For whatever reason, he made everyone else around him play better. Do you?

6. Do you anticipate what is about to happen in a game or event?

Do you know where the next shot is going to be hit in tennis? Do you know where the next pass will be made in basketball? Do you know where to move to block a spike in volleyball? Can you think two or three shots ahead in golf?

7. Are you coach able?

Good athletes are good listeners. They have a great advantage over the person who thinks he or she knows everything and who never learns from the experience of someone else. Ever Tiger Woods has a coach.

8. Can you adapt to different situations?

Those who can t might be effective only when playing on certain types of surfaces or in certain types of environments, under the direction of one kind of coach or teacher, or against certain types of opponents. The good ones can adapt to whatever is thrown at them.

9. Do you rise to the occasion?

Good athletes "step up" against superior competition and in pressure games. There are legendary practice players -- those who stand out when it doesn't count. There are also legendary gamers -- those who don t impress anyone in practice but who excel when the bell rings. Which one are you?

10. Do you have a killer instinct?

Good athletes know how to close. Give them a chance to win a game, contest, or race, and they will slam the door on their opponents. They get the last batter out, they make a defensive stop that saves a game, they add to the distance between themselves and the runners or swimmers behind them. Others will leave a crack in that door and let an opponent back into the game.